My problem with Nugget Nectar

I want to second this.

There was certainly chatter about Nugget Nectar coming for months before it hit and lots of excitement, but there were no lines like with hypeslam (and also no outrageous pricing). The stuff is still sitting around most everywhere by the case. Being that this is the first year NC ever got the stuff, you would think it would be gone in hours because it's so "hyped" up. Nope. It's a very highly acclaimed beer, for good reason, and it has a very strong fanbase who rave about it just like any other "hyped" beer.

 

As was already pointed out by a few respondents in this thread, this Ale doesn't do too well weeks after the launch. The flavor profile just isn't as sharp, especially with the heavy IBU on the hops, and the malts seem to become more prevalent.

I picked up a case of bottles on launch day and it was amazing. Grabbed a four pack of the cans on Thursday of launch week and at was still good, but fading. I think next year I want to goto the taproom for launch day.

The bottles on launch day tasted kind of IPAish, but it doesn't have that dry hopped character that a lot of IPA's have. And the reddish color definitely gives it the look of an amber Ale moreso than an IPA.

 

Read my review of Weyerbacher's Double Simcoe. I definitely want to try it again, but I had a really bad experience with it.

 

You make it pretty clear that it is most likely the bar's fault... I personally wouldn't review a beer I think has been compromised.

 

Sounds like that bar is a place to avoid. If I'd had any beer that came like that I'd have done my review as a review of the bar so a few other folks might be warned In advance. Definetly agree with your idea of giving the beer a second chance...

 

This is a great example of how individual tastes can make a difference. For me the beer has just a bit too much harshness during the first couple of weeks. Then for about 4 weeks it's in the sweet spot with lots of hop flavor and some malt in the background. Then from about 6 weeks on the shift is towards favoring the malt. (But my annual case hardly ever lasts long enough for that to happen.... :-))

 

Does it taste good? Yes... move on. Everything doesn't need to be dissected. After all it's only beer...

 

My bottles were bottled 1/22 and I had a few bottles probably 2 weeks after bottling. The beer was good, but nothing to brag about. Now, I've been having the rest over the past few weeks (4 weeks old) and I think it's great. Again, probably overhyped but a better beer than when it was "fresher."

 

True and it is also true about every hyped limited or seasonal release.

 

In the past, I've noticed that the sweet spot for Nugget Nectar is at about 3 weeks.

 

I could not have said it better. I mainly buy it because I know it's fresh.

 

I had a 16 oz. can last Friday and thought it was wonderful. The only thing I can knock it for in the past is inconsistency.

I don't think it's over hyped at all. It has over 7,000 reviews, is 217th on the top 250 list, and 25th on the beers of fame list.

Ranks right around "What is Enlightenment" by Hill Farmstead, Stone Russian Imperial Stout, Ayinger's Doppelbock, and Founders Backwoods Bastard. Not bad company if you ask me.

Oh, and yes, it's an IPA.

 

As far as Imperial Ambers go, Great Lakes Nosferatu > Troegs Nugget Nectar

 

They get all those flavors out of the nugget hops which using that much nugget hops in a beer is not often seen. The flavors meld great with a bigger amber malt background. All around a great drinkable amber ale with a sturdy malt backbone and plenty of hops to keep it from being cloyingly sweet. Its not an IPA.

 

I guess I just haven't seen the level of hype you are describing. I know people are excited for it, but not in the way they get excited for BCBS, PtY, Heady, Dinner, Dark Lord, or countless other beer releases. It seems more that people get excited because a beer they feel is excellent is being released and will be easily available for those within the ditro footprint. I think it is a very good beer, very good. It is also a nice change from your typical DIPA and adjunct stout hype, although I also love those. I guess we have just been exposed to different stimuli here, because I haven't felt that Nugget Nectar was receiving the level of hype you are describing. I never lived in any fear of it selling out and I never stood in a line for it....that is when I think real hype has taken over.

 

This beer is awesome and does merit the hype, in my humble opinion. Guess I have the right kind of taste buds for this one. I could not care less what they market it as or call it.

Cheers all

 

I try not to let hype affect my actions one way or the other. I'm not buying up cases, but I sure as shit will enjoy a sixer or two. To me: it's a really good beer that comes out once a year. I grab some, enjoy, repeat.

 

I like to find fresh NN on tap at the local craft bar, have a couple pints, and then feel satisfied until next year. I've found this beer drops off fast as it sits on the shelf. That's probably my biggest reason for not seeking this out more often.

 

Really, that guy always spoils the arguments with facts and logic.

Regarding OP: Troegs markets this as a hoppy Imperial Amber. I would have to say this is the most accurate description possible for the beer. They don't hype it at all, they make a product and put lots of it on the shelf, no special releases with lines at the brewery, no fancy advertising, just put it out and let the beer speak for itself. By definition this is the exact opposite of hype. If you want to fault Troegs I can think of two reasons you can, only one of which I am at liberty to speak. It is a thinner and less aromatic beer this year than it has been in many of its previous realeases.

 

No worries, OP, plenty of other people will drink Nugget Nectar. Leave it for us. Thanks.